Gallows by Jess Ray

Hi, friends! If the weather where you live is anything like it is here (snowy and very cold), I hope you've been able to stay warm. It's been a while since I've spotlighted an art piece, so that's exactly what I want to do today.

Jess Ray is a singer/songwriter who I've only been listening to for a few months. However, her songs have already made a significant impact on me. She describes her music as "friendly folk", although I would say some of it falls more into the alternative genre. Jess sings about Jesus, love, doubt, and anxiety, all with a soulful faith and honesty.

One of her songs that I've particularly come to love is called "Gallows". Even if the musical style of the song doesn't resonate with you, I hope you're moved by these lyrics.

GALLOWS

[Verse 1]

Someone’s on the prowl, trying to take us down

But we ain’t giving up now

A liar and a thief, coming after you and me

But we ain’t giving up now

[Chorus]

The harder the wind will blow

The deeper our roots will go

And the devil's gonna hang

Oh the devil is gonna hang

The devil is gonna hang from his own gallows

[Verse 2]

Though the waters try to down

And the flames they surround

Oh, we ain’t giving up now

Even though we may tread

Through the valley of death

Oh, we ain’t giving up now

[Bridge]

So if you’re stumbling in the dark

Run your hands against the walls

Find every window and every door

Throw them open, throw them open

In will flood a blinding light

And it will chase away the night

Even if you shield your eyes

Let it pour in, let it pour in

Link to "Gallows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmQuqeHZwHU

(I kept trying to add to this post, but decided the song speaks for itself. For a little context, though, this metaphor is probably drawn from the Biblical story of Esther. In this narrative, the arrogant Haman constructs a gallows to hang Esther's cousin Mordecai on, but in a stunning twist, ends up dying on the very same gallows.)